Plant Profile

soybeanGlycine max

The soybean (Glycine max) is an annual plant from the legume family, cultivated worldwide for its protein-rich seeds. It requires a long, warm growing season and prefers sunny locations with well-draining soil. Soybeans are nitrogen-fixing, thus improving soil quality. Harvest occurs in autumn when the pods are dry. The seeds are versatile after thorough processing but are indigestible raw.

Legumes legume family

Calendar

soybean: plant portrait. harvest: September - October.

Quick profile

Key data

Growing calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Direct sowing outdoors

Harvest

Direct sowing outdoorsHarvest

Suitable growing locations:

Outdoor garden bed Raised bed

Good neighbors

CornCucumberCabbage

Avoid

Onion GarlicBean

Indoor & direct sowing

soybean: Sowing and germination

Indoor sowing

No indoor sowing recommended.

Direct sowing outdoors

Sow only after the last frosts and when the soil has warmed sufficiently.

Seed depth2 - 3 cm

Germination temp10 - 25 °C

Germination time7 - 14 days

Light germinatorNo

Dark germinatorNo

Cold germinatorNo

Stratification neededNo

Pre-soaking recommendedNo

Planting & site

soybean: Planting and spacing

Planting outdoors

Direct sowing is preferred.

Plant spacing10 - 15 cm

Row spacing40 - 60 cm

Plants per m²10 - 20 per m²

Bed widthfrom 60 cm

Site & practical notes

Soybeans require a long, warm growing season and are frost-sensitive. Sow only after the last frosts and when the soil has reached at least 10°C. Ensure adequate plant spacing for good air circulation. Regular, but not excessive, watering is important, especially during flowering and pod development. Avoid waterlogging. As a legume, soy needs little nitrogen but benefits from phosphorus and potassium. Harvest when pods are dry and beans are hard. Raw seeds are indigestible and must be cooked or processed.

Temperature & frost

soybean: Temperature and site

Growing temperaturefrom 15 °C

Optimal temperature20 - 30 °C

Max. heatup to 35 °C

Soil temperature10 - 15 °C

Frost sensitiveYes

Late frost sensitiveYes

Heat tolerancemedium

Cold tolerancelow

Water & nutrients

soybean: Water, nutrients and care

Watermedium

Critical water phasesflowering, pod development

Watering methodWater at the base

Droughtmedium

Waterlogging sensitiveYes

Mulching recommendedYes

Nutrient neednitrogen fixer

Compost recommendedYes

Fertilizer sensitivitylow

Container & growth

soybean: Container, support and growth

Container suitableNo

SupportNo

Height40 - 100 cm

Width20 - 40 cm

Root depth30 - 60 cm

Yield0.1 - 0.5 kg

Year plan

soybean Calendar

Plants

The long growing season of the soybean requires sowing in late spring and harvesting in early autumn.

Year overview

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Direct sowing outdoors

Harvest

Relevant now

June

Continue sowing or care for young plantsOngoing growth: Resow if needed or remove weeds.

Next up

July

Pest and disease controlVisible signs of pests or diseases: Regularly check for signs of pests or diseases.

Monthly tasks

Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.

Direct sowingPlantingHarvestGrowingPlant health

January

Quiet month

February

Quiet month

March

Quiet month

April

Quiet month

May

Sow soybeans

Direct sowing

Sow soybeansSoil temperature at least 10°C, no frost risk: Sow into well-prepared soil.

June

Continue sowing or care for young plants

Planting

Continue sowing or care for young plantsOngoing growth: Resow if needed or remove weeds.

July

Pest and disease control

Plant health

Pest and disease controlVisible signs of pests or diseases: Regularly check for signs of pests or diseases.

August

Ensure adequate watering

Growing

Ensure adequate wateringDry weather, flowering or pod development: Especially important during flowering and pod development.

September

Begin harvest

Harvest

Begin harvestBeans are mature and pods are dry: Harvest ripe beans. Pods should be dry.

October

Continue harvest

Harvest

Continue harvestRemaining beans are mature: Harvest remaining beans. Allow to dry further in dry weather.

November

Quiet month

December

Quiet month

Flowering & pollination

soybean Flowering & pollination

Self-fertility

high

Pollinator needed

Overview

Soybeans are predominantly self-pollinating. Flowers open in the morning and are often pollinated the same day. Cross-pollination by insects is possible but rare and usually has no significant impact on yield.

Notes

Although insects like bees and hoverflies may visit the flowers, their role in soybean pollination is minor. The primary pollination occurs via pollen transfer within the same flower.

Companion guide

soybean Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

CornCucumberCabbage

Avoid

Onion GarlicBean

Use & storage

soybean Use & storage

Harvest

Harvest when pods are dry and beans are hard.

Storage

Dry, cool, and dark

Storage life

With proper storage (dry, cool, airtight), they can last for several years.

Harvest

Harvest when pods are dry and beans are hard.

Processing

After harvest

After harvesting, allow the pods to dry until they split open completely or the beans can be easily removed. The beans must be thoroughly dried to prevent storage losses.

Edibility & safety

soybean Edibility & safety

For people

In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.

Edible parts:Seeds (after processing/cooking)

Caution parts:Raw seeds (contain trypsin inhibitors and other anti-nutrients)

Raw consumption:Not recommended. Raw soybeans are difficult to digest and can be harmful to health.

Safety notes

Raw soybeans contain trypsin inhibitors, which can interfere with protein digestion, as well as other anti-nutrients. These are largely destroyed by cooking, roasting, or fermentation.

Animal safety

For many animals, this plant is generally low-risk: 14 animal types are rated suitable or mostly suitable. Quantity, plant part, and individual tolerance still matter.

Animal safety by plant part

Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.

Companion animals

Dog

cooked seeds

raw seeds

Risk factors

consumption of raw or immature soybeans

Symptoms

vomiting, diarrhea, bloating

observe

Cooked soybeans are tolerable for dogs in small amounts and can serve as an occasional protein source. Raw soybeans contain trypsin inhibitors and other anti-nutrients that can cause gastrointestinal upset. Overfeeding should be avoided due to high purine and phytoestrogen content. If ingestion of raw beans is suspected, monitor the dog and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Open animal page

Cat

cooked seeds

raw seeds

Risk factors

consumption of raw or immature seeds

Symptoms

vomiting, diarrhea, bloating

observe

Cooked soybeans are suitable for cats in small amounts as a treat. Raw seeds contain anti-nutrients that can cause gastrointestinal upset. No indications of serious toxicity with normal feeding.

Open animal page

Rabbit

cooked seeds

raw seeds

Risk factors

high feed proportion, unprocessed feeding

Symptoms

digestive upset, bloating, diarrhea

observe

['Cooked soybeans are suitable for rabbits in small amounts as a supplement. Raw seeds contain anti-nutrients that can inhibit nutrient absorption and cause digestive issues.']

Open animal page

Guinea pig

cooked seeds

raw seeds

Risk factors

consumption of raw seeds, overfeeding

Symptoms

digestive upset, bloating

observe

Cooked soybeans can be fed in small amounts as a protein-rich supplement. Raw seeds contain anti-nutrients that can impair nutrient absorption and cause gastrointestinal distress. No evidence of specific toxicity for guinea pigs when properly prepared.

Open animal page

Hamster

cooked seeds

raw seeds

Risk factors

high feeding amount, unprocessed seeds

Symptoms

digestive upset, bloating

observe

['Cooked soybeans can be suitable as a protein source in small amounts. Raw seeds contain anti-nutrients that may interfere with nutrient absorption.']

Open animal page

Budgie

cooked seeds

raw seeds

Risk factors

high consumption of raw seeds

Symptoms

digestive discomfort, bloating

observe

Cooked soybeans can be given to budgies as an occasional treat. Raw seeds contain anti-nutrients that can disrupt digestion. Only feed small amounts of plain, cooked seeds. Consult a veterinarian if digestive issues occur.

Open animal page

Farm animals

Horse

Seeds (after processing/cooking)

Raw seeds

Risk factors

Raw consumption, Excessive consumption of raw seeds

Symptoms

Digestive upset, Bloating, Diarrhea

observe

Processed soybeans (cooked, roasted, or fermented) are suitable for horses in moderation as a protein-rich supplemental feed. Raw seeds contain trypsin inhibitors and anti-nutrients that can cause digestive issues. No indications of severe toxicity when fed appropriately.

Open animal page

Chicken

cooked seeds

raw seeds

Risk factors

feeding raw or inadequately processed soybeans

Symptoms

digestive upset, protein deficiency with long-term feeding of raw seeds

observe

Cooked soybeans are a valuable protein source for chickens in moderation. Raw seeds contain anti-nutrients that can inhibit nutrient absorption and cause digestive issues. A balanced diet should not rely solely on soy. If poisoning from raw seeds is suspected, consult a veterinarian.

Open animal page

Duck

cooked seeds

raw seeds, leaves, stems

Risk factors

indigestibility, allergies

Symptoms

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Soybeans can serve as a nutritional supplement for ducks, but raw seeds and other plant parts should be avoided.

Open animal page

Goose

Seeds (after processing/cooking)

Raw seeds

Risk factors

Raw consumption, Overfeeding, Unprocessed seeds

Symptoms

Digestive upset, Bloating, Diarrhea

observe

Processed soybeans are suitable for geese in moderation as a protein-rich supplemental feed. Raw seeds contain anti-nutrients that can impair nutrient absorption and cause digestive issues. No evidence of specific toxicity for geese when properly processed. If raw seeds are consumed, observe and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Open animal page

Sheep

Seeds (after processing/cooking)

Raw seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of raw or inadequately processed soybeans

Symptoms

Digestive upset, Bloating, Diarrhea

observe

Processed soybeans are suitable for sheep as a protein-rich supplemental feed, but raw seeds should be avoided due to trypsin inhibitors. Gradual introduction is recommended to prevent digestive issues.

Open animal page

Goat

cooked or processed seeds

raw seeds

Risk factors

consumption of raw or inadequately processed seeds, overfeeding

Symptoms

digestive upset, bloating, diarrhea

observe

Cooked soybeans are suitable for goats in moderation as a high-protein supplemental feed. Raw seeds contain anti-nutrients that can inhibit nutrient absorption and may cause digestive upset. Gradual introduction is recommended to assess tolerance.

Open animal page

Cattle

Seeds (after processing/cooking)

Raw seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of raw or inadequately processed soybeans, Overfeeding

Symptoms

Digestive upset, Bloating, Diarrhea

observe

Processed soybeans (e.g., soybean meal) are a valuable protein source in cattle feed. Raw soybeans contain anti-nutrients that can inhibit nutrient absorption and cause digestive upset. Gradual introduction is recommended.

Open animal page

Pig

Seeds (after processing/cooking)

Raw seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of raw or inadequately processed soybeans

Symptoms

Digestive upset, Bloating, Diarrhea

observe

Processed soybeans are a valuable protein and energy source in swine diets. Raw soybeans contain anti-nutrients that can impair nutrient absorption and cause digestive issues. Overfeeding soy may lead to hormonal effects due to isoflavones.

Open animal page

These guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.

Max risk

unknown

Highest status

moderation only

Urgency

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Saving seed

soybean Saving seed

Seed viability

1 - 3 years

Storage

Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry, and dark place. Viability is maintained for 1-3 years.

Practical tips

soybean Practical tips

Common beginner mistakes

Success pattern

High-impact tips

Grower observations

Plant Profile

Additional plant images

Health

Pests, Diseases

Pests

Soybean aphid

Small, green to yellowish aphids that colonize the underside of leaves and young shoots, sucking plant sap.

Spider mites

Tiny arachnids that form fine webs on leaves and suck plant sap. They prefer dry, warm conditions.

Bean seed beetle

Small beetles whose larvae infest the seeds within the pods. Adult beetles may also feed on leaves and flowers.

Diseases

Soybean rust

A fungus that causes leaf spots, leading to premature defoliation. It favors humid conditions and warm temperatures.

Downy mildew

A fungus that causes yellowish spots on the upper leaf surface and a gray to purplish mold growth on the underside. Humid conditions favor its spread.

Bacterial blight

A bacterial disease causing small, angular, dark brown to black spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo. Can also affect stems and pods.

Deficiencies

Molybdenum deficiency

Molybdenum is essential for nitrogen fixation by root nodule bacteria. Deficiency leads to poor nitrogen supply to the plant.

Phosphorus deficiency

Phosphorus is important for energy transfer, root development, and flowering. Deficiency slows growth and impairs yield formation.

Plant health

Diagnosis help

soybean Diagnosis help

Pest groups

Disease groups

Prevention

Diagnosis

Diagnosing problems in soybeans often requires careful examination of symptoms on leaves, stems, and roots. Consider environmental conditions and the field's cultivation history.

Cultural prevention

Monitoring

First response

Diagnostic rules

Small, reddish-brown spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo, and pustules on the leaf underside.

Possible causes: Soybean rust

Check the underside of leaves for pustules.
Note the weather conditions (humid, warm).

Yellowish spots on the upper leaf surface and gray to purplish mold on the underside.

Possible causes: Downy mildew

Examine the leaf underside in humid weather.
Look for signs of wilting.

Small, angular, dark brown to black spots on leaves, often with a yellow border.

Possible causes: Bacterial Blight

Check for angular spots limited by leaf veins.
Note periods of wet, cool weather.

FAQ

When is the best time to sow soybeans?

Sowing should only occur after the last frosts, when the soil temperature is consistently at least 10°C. This is typically from mid-May through June.

Can soybeans be grown in pots?

Soybeans are generally not well-suited for container growing, as they develop a deep root system and require a certain amount of space. For home use, other legumes like bush beans are better suited.

Why are my soybean leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves can be due to several causes: nitrogen deficiency (if nodulation is poor), waterlogging, overly acidic soil, or diseases like soybean rust. A soil test or closer examination of the plant can help determine the cause.

Are raw soybeans edible?

No, raw soybeans are not edible and can be harmful to health, as they contain trypsin inhibitors and other anti-nutrients. They must be cooked, roasted, or fermented before consumption to break down these substances.

Is soybean safe for Dog?

soybean is classified as moderation only for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Cooked soybeans are tolerable for dogs in small amounts and can serve as an occasional protein source. Raw soybeans contain trypsin inhibitors and other anti-nutrients that can cause gastrointestinal upset. Overfeeding should be avoided due to high purine and phytoestrogen content. If ingestion of raw beans is suspected, monitor the dog and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Is soybean safe for Cat?

soybean is classified as moderation only for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Cooked soybeans are suitable for cats in small amounts as a treat. Raw seeds contain anti-nutrients that can cause gastrointestinal upset. No indications of serious toxicity with normal feeding.

Is soybean safe for Rabbit?

soybean is classified as moderation only for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. ['Cooked soybeans are suitable for rabbits in small amounts as a supplement. Raw seeds contain anti-nutrients that can inhibit nutrient absorption and cause digestive issues.']

Is soybean safe for Guinea pig?

soybean is classified as moderation only for Guinea pig. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Cooked soybeans can be fed in small amounts as a protein-rich supplement. Raw seeds contain anti-nutrients that can impair nutrient absorption and cause gastrointestinal distress. No evidence of specific toxicity for guinea pigs when properly prepared.